Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Japan

So I had these fantasies that I would go native in Africa. Learn to speak Swahili, have a little concrete hut for a house, live out my days with a kerosene stove, a mosquito net, and some Safari beer in this exhilarating, dark, beautiful place.

And then I got to Japan.

You know what I like? 400 thread count sheets. Also drinking water from the tap. Also not being asked to lend someone $50,000 for a land rover every time I got out with them for a beer. Also, being able to drink something other than beer.

Japan is adorable - I've not yet seen the love hotels and creepy porn, and as it is snowing out and I'm just about adventure-ed out, I may not. Who cares? As long as I can get a massage in my room, I am feeling good about life.

Hey! I really want to go to Japan! But may I ask...how in the world are you travelling all over the world!? I'll be your personal assistant although I just started grad school but anyway.Would love to hear more about Japan and can't wait for the movie!

This is so bizarre...I went to the library, not knowing who you were, and as per my original intent I picked up Valley of the Horses. I stumbled upon your book while looking for America's Test Kitchen cookbooks, and imagine my surprise and delight when you go into adoring detail about Jean Auel. Your taste in books is as impressive as your culinary and writing skills. Thanks for the great read!

I hope you believe in the phrase better late than never, because I just finished reading your book. I loved it...I love your writing. Ironically, one of the coolest epicurean moments I had was seeing Julia's kitchen in the Smithsonian many years ago! ;) Thank you for making me smile this past week; your grit and fortitude are a positive influence to this 29, almost 30, year old woman who loves to cook in her tiny kitchen.

Btw...the best Japanese food EVER is OKONOMIYAKI. Hope you have some while you are there!

Sounds like you're having a fun tour, Julie - I'm so happy for you. I loved your book you autographed for me at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park/Seattle, Washington. Having lost track of you for awhile, it's fun to know I'm back on track, so very proud of you with your movie coming out. I'll be at the box office the first day it's in Seattle!Love, Grammy

I must hate you now...you got to go to Japan. I sooo hate you...Just teasing. I want to go there and to be able to see the sakura trees and the pink flowers as they fall gracefully to the soft earth like they were in slow motion, get to smell the air with the scent of there wonderful food, see the gorgeous men....*drools* look at the colorful koi ponds watching the fish swimming in the still waters surfacing to beg for food and bonsai trees the magical way they make something that should be huge into something so small, oh and the gorgeous men. The ladies in their kimonos bowing as though they know me, forcing me to blush and bow awkwardly toward them thinking maybe they do that to giggle at you. Oh and did I mention the gorgeous Asian men?

Next time you go will you take me with you so I can see the gorgeous men? I promise I won’t embarrass you to much, okay maybe I will, but that’s my charm.

I’ll beg…a lot…more than you can stand until you finally give in and say ALRIGHT! come on…lol